Gym Encounter
I [M50] got back into fitness 7-8 months ago. I have gained 20 pounds of muscle in that period and have a low body fat percent. I now get regular compliments about my appearance. This is new territory for me.
Two different situations happened at the gym in a short period of time that I want your unfiltered opinion on.
Situation 1:
I usually wear athletic clothes and Vans (shoes) to work out in. I add that detail because I noticed a very fit woman, probably mid-30s wearing the same shoes working out. The gym was relatively empty. I was doing an arm exercise on a machine. There were 4 of the same machines in a row. All of them were empty except the one I was using. She approached me and asked if she could work in her sets with me. I was about to start my last set so, being oblivious to the possible approach, I said no. She can have the machine in 30 seconds because I will be done. I ripped 12 reps and said, all yours and walked away.
I have not seen her since that encounter.
Situation 2:
When I am in the gym, I usually have a plan, I am logging my reps and I am timing my recovery. Point is, I am focused and usually don't notice much around me. I had a rough day and decided to go to the gym without a plan and just try some new exercises. Because of that, I was kind of wandering around looking a little more lost than usual.
A 25-30 year old Asian girl asked me if I was OK. I told her yes, but why did you ask me that. She said you just look different than usual. I said thanks, I did have a hard day. She reached in her bag and handed me a Cici jelly fruit drink. In an almost child like way she said "drink this. When I am sad, I drink these and they always make me feel better."
I left the gym and thought it was silly. But I was down and said what would it hurt and I drank it in my car. I'll be damed if it did not make me feel better. It tasted... Happy, but I think the caring gesture added to it's impact.
I have seen her a few times since and give her a fist bump.